E-waste has become the world’s most rapidly growing waste issue, with about 50 million tons generated annually. The technological boom created an influx of electronics sales. Each year, new models are released, and older models are thrown out, increasing the amount of e-waste the world generates. In addition to an ever-growing e-waste crisis, there is limited knowledge on responsibly disposing of IT equipment. As a result, it is often sent to third-world countries for “recycling” and ends up in landfills or incineration facilities. Partnering with an ITAD provider like HOBI helps avoid the hassle of getting rid of retired IT assets. ITAD professionals collect retired IT hardware like computers, desktops, laptops, phones, and tablets and provide many end-of-use services that protect clients’ data and the environment.
Few businesses have disposition plans and those who do often turn to landfills or incinerators to dispose of their old IT equipment. Landfills and incineration are popular methods of e-waste disposal due to convenience, but both methods can harm the environment. One of the most common places to dispose of electronics is in landfills, which might have been a safe disposal method if not for the toxic chemicals that leak into the soil. Electronics are made with metals such as gold, silver, mercury, lead, platinum, and aluminum that contain toxic chemicals. These chemicals leak into the soil and contaminate the groundwater and surrounding water supply. As a result, residents nearby could ingest the polluted water and develop serious health issues. Many have turned to incinerators to prevent pollution, but the toxic chemicals will only pollute the air rather than the groundwater when electronics are burned.
Why ITAD is the Best Choice
Responsible IT asset disposition is crucial to e-waste reduction, and ITAD enterprises offer a range of disposition services that maximize asset value, protect data, and mitigate environmental liability. With an ITAD partner, companies can simply hand off their retired IT assets with the assurance that their equipment will be disposed of responsibly and their data protected throughout the process. Recycling electronics helps prevent pollution by keeping them from being sent to landfills, and partnering with an ITAD provider who provides repair and remarketing services helps keep e-waste out of the waste stream altogether. Keeping used electronics in circulation can provide electronics to those in need and help companies achieve social ESG goals.
ITAD enterprises prioritize the environment and work to reduce the pollution and contamination produced by e-waste. HOBI specifically focuses on maximizing economic return and mitigating potential environmental liability. HOBI is R2v3, RIOS, and ISO-14001 certified, ensuring all equipment is processed under full legislative compliance.
For more information about our ITAD services, call 877-814-262 or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.